Heat Index - Australia

[tjaliwalpa]

I was listening to the radio on the way to work today and there was mention of a new Australian Heat Index.

It sounds kind of interesting and is based on a whole lot of variables. Apparently, it takes into account the temperatures (max and min) over three days and the averages over a given period of time, plus a whole lot of historical data. It will vary therefore from location to location.

The person who developed it was not clear on if it was formula based, but said that successive days of high temperature without overnight cooling effect would result in a higher index. I didn't hear it mentioned, but I assume humidity would also be included.

It should give residents, medical services and emergency services an index which will predict the likelihood of medical issues from heat stress , exhaustion, etc. High temperatures in a usually moderate climate area will result in a higher index than high temperatures in a region where predominantly high temperatures are the norm.

I find the idea very interesting and look forward to seeing how it plays out.

[uncle_bob]

Us in Canberra, already use a Heat index.
1: Bloody freezing
2: Bloody hot
3: Bloody dignitaries